Conduct your own Coastal Expo event

Traditionally,
we have conducted Coastal Expos in communities for people who do not typically
get to enjoy the great Texas coast. Our previous locations include the Rio Grande
Valley area, Beaumont, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. These events have been
very successful and we would like to expand the number of Coastal Expos conducted
in Texas. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of staff and resources to commit
to Coastal Expo and need your help to ensure the success of future events.

This year, we are creating Coastal Expo kits. These kits will be made available
to local schools, organizations, and communities that are interested in hosting
their own Coastal Expo. The kit will provide all the necessary information
needed to conduct a Coastal Expo in your community!

If you are interested in bringing the coast to your school or community or
have any questions, please contact Kris Shipman at kris.shipman@tpwd.state.tx.us
or 512/ 389-8737.

These outreach events include hands-on activities to bring the wonders of
our coastal environments to the public.

Crab MarshTouch
and learn about crabs at our crab-shaped pool. Past sandboxes have held fiddler
crabs, hermit crabs, and blue crabs. The crab marsh has sand and local marsh
plants that create a “true” habitat for the visiting crabs. Children
and adults will learn about where the crabs live, what the crabs eat, who
eats the crabs, the importance of marsh habitat, and why we should care about
this. (Back to Top)

Glass-bottom StreamA
V-shaped, glass trough is filled with water, rocks, and native aquatic plants
to replicate the structure of a natural stream. The glass-bottom allows visitors
to see the 3-D picture of a stream and see how fish and invertebrates can “hide” from
predators. The stream also demonstrates the importance of habitat and how
aquatic insects can be water quality indicators. Ever wonder about the quality
of your local stream? Now you will be able to tell just by looking at the
insects! (Back to Top)

Mystery Fish Kill GameBecome
an honorary member of the Kills and Spills Team by solving the mysterious
fish kill, just like a TPWD biologist! Real clues, pictures, and facts are
used to help teach how fish kills can be caused by natural conditions and/or
human contamination. The circumstances of the fish kill and the clues are
used to communicate the physical and biological characteristics of coastal
ecosystems. Each participant is rewarded with a Kills and Spills Team sticker. (Back
to Top)

Discovery BoxesWooden
boxes with coastal artifacts inside and an opening at one end encourage participants
to identify the contents of the box by touch. This is a fun way to learn
about the diversity of our coastal habitats and objects. (Back
to Top)

Educational ResourcesTeachers, are you looking for educational resources that have an environmental tone? Check out our educational trunks that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department loans out to educators. Also, you can find free materials such as posters, books, pamphlets, pencils, and in-class activities. (Back
to Top)

Coastal Fisheries Touch TanksCoastal
fisheries staff provide live coastal animals for you to touch, observe, and
explore. Critters such as fish, snails, clams, crabs, sea stars, and sea
urchins allow you to see and feel the difference between the many wonders
found in our bays, estuaries, and ocean. (Back
to Top)

Fish PrintsShow
your artistic talents with our fish printing station. Create artwork inspired
by a fish that does not smell fishy! Washable paints are painted on a rubber
fish and then “printed” on the corresponding paper that lists
facts about each fish on the back. Choose from a variety of different types
of fish. (Back
to Top)

Beach GoodiesEver
wonder what washes up on the Texas coast? This is the place to see the marvels
that the ocean carries around the world. Touch, see, and learn about the
shells, sea beans, feathers, plastics, and bones that have been found on
your coastline. (Back to Top)

Fishing Want
to catch a REAL fish? Children can try their hands at fishing and may hook
a live catfish! (Program availability depends on funding) (Back
to Top)

Fish Rubbing TablesMake
a coastal fish, mammal, or invertebrate appear by rubbing a crayon on a piece
of paper. The raised picture below the paper will appear, and so will fun
facts about your animal. (Back to
Top)

Coastal Fishing (Backyard Bass)Children
and adults learn to cast Zebco-type rods and reels. The goal is to “catch” a
plastic fish using a special weight that “hooks” the fish. Each
player receives a prize. (Back to Top)

Junior Angler Kids
learn about what types of reels they can use, how to identify fish, fishing
rules and regulations, and a whole lot more! Once they have completed all
the hands-on activities, they become a Junior Angler and receive a fish pin
and a certificate. (Depends on availability) (Back
to Top)

Junior BoaterLearn
how to enter a canoe, how to properly fit a life jacket, and how to toss
a life preserver during this interactive activity. This is a fun way to learn
about boating and water safety. (Depends on availability) (Back
to Top)

Hunter EducationEver
tracked an animal before, or wondered about tracks that you have seen? The
Hunter Education program will teach you what animals are leaving those tracks
and how to be a safe hunter. (Depends on availability)(Back
to Top)

Rock WallChallenge
yourself to a rock-climbing wall and see if you can ring the bell at the
top!
(Program availability depends on funding)(Back
to Top)

Do you know of other activities that would increase awareness of our coastal
environments? Let us know! Please e-mail kris.shipman@tpwd.state.tx.us.